Newcastle transfer news: Magpies interested in Arsenal’s William Saliba

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In the summer of 2021, Newcastle United were interested in signing William Saliba from Arsenal.

It’s now the summer of 2022, and a lot has changed at St James’ Park. New owners, new manager, new ambitions, but one target remains the same.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Magpies are once again interested in signing Saliba. They add that Atletico Madrid, Leicester and Napoli are all keen.

So are Marseille, who have had the 21-year-old on loan this season. However, that honour could have gone to Newcastle.

Steve Bruce was interested in bringing William Saliba to Newcastle last year

With no takeover and a limited transfer budget last summer, Steve Bruce was put in a difficult position.

He wanted Kristoffer Ajer at St James’ Park, but that deal suddenly looked unlikely. Newcastle then turned to Saliba, who was set to leave Arsenal on loan.

He did just that, but crossed the channel rather than journeying to the North East. Saliba joined Marseille on loan, leaving Newcastle to rue another defensive target passing them by.

The Magpies ended the summer with no new defenders arriving, despite Bruce’s desperation.

While Newcastle struggled at the back, Saliba thrived at Marseille. He was named in the Ligue 1 team of the year, won the Young Player of the Year award and made his debut for France.

Toon fans had to wait until 2022 for improvement, with new manager Eddie Howe and reinforcements helping tighten up a leaky defence.

Saliba would be excellent, but deal feels unlikely

The 21-year-old has been touted for a long time as a star for the future. That’s why Arsenal paid £27million for him in 2019. However, he’s yet to make his Gunners debut.

L’Equipe’s report states that Arsenal plan to keep the centre-back and give him a new contract.

However, this is a crucial six months for Saliba, who will have ambitions of going to the World Cup with France. That won’t happen if he’s keeping the Arsenal bench warm.

Newcastle have the financial resources to sign Saliba, but might not get the opportunity. If he does become available, however, then Howe must pounce.